Finished mop yarns and methods of treatment therefor

ABSTRACT

A blended cotton or natural fiber mop yarn having wetting agents or detergents that aid in the removal or suspension of natural and synthetic waxes and oils to the finished mop yarn or mop. The addition of these wetting agents increases the initial absorption performance of the mop and decreases the initial break-in time required of cotton-blended mops.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the manufacture of mopyarns, and more particularly to the manufacture of finished mop yarnswith improved absorption properties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Historically, wet and dust mops have been made of yarns with ahigh concentration of cotton fibers. These mops or yarn bundlesintegrate multiple strands of yarn connected together at a designed spotwhere the bundle can be attached to a handle. The normal requirements ofa wet mop are the ability to absorb water or liquids from a surface orthe retention of a solution for the purpose of cleaning a surface. Theduties of a dust mop are to readily absorb solutions or waxes that willattract and hold dust particles to the yarn bundle as it is passedacross a surface. The industry standard economical dust and wet mopyarns generally are manufactured from a textile mill rework or wasteblend that incorporates a high majority of short cotton fibers. Thisrecycled fiber mass by nature has a high percentage of immature shortfibers containing a high level of natural oils, stalk, and boil trashfrom the cotton plant, which fibers normally have not undergone ascouring process to remove such natural oils, fats, and waxes that actas natural water repellants.

[0003] Once these natural finishes are removed from the cotton fibers,their abrasion and absorption properties generally are then favorable towet and dust mop applications. Without this prior removal of the naturaloils, however, the cotton fibers typically have little or no initialabsorption properties. Therefore, the yarns of a cotton mop typicallyrequire agitation and manual submersion in water to initiate the removalof the oils and for the fibers to begin the absorption process. This“initial break-in” time can take an average of ten to fifteen minuteswith aggressive agitation or longer in other applications such as homeuse. Needless to say, most conventional, economical cotton mopsgenerally do not perform adequately in absorbing moisture directly in aninitial, “out-of-the-bag” dry state.

[0004] To combat this break-in time of most conventional cotton mops,synthetic fibers having good absorption or moisture wicking propertieshave been incorporated within the yarn bundle. These fibers areintermingled with the cotton fibers as an intimate blend in the blendingprocess to produce a homogenous mass. The percentage of synthetic fiberswithin the yarn bundle is variable and can be formulated based upon therequirements or demands of the finished product. By calculating theabsorption, wicking properties, and the percentages of synthetic fibersin the blend, the break-in time required for the mop bundle to reachoptimum performance can be increased. The ability of the syntheticfibers to absorb or wick moisture quickly, thereby keeping moisturedirectly in contact with the surface of the intermingled cotton fibers,further helps in removing the molecular bonds of the waxes and naturaloils of the cellulose cotton fibers. The synthetic fibers normallyincorporated as a blend with cotton for mops include rayon, acetate,polyester, acrylic, and polypropylene, however any synthetic fibers withgood absorption or wicking properties can be substituted. Regardless ofthe percentage or the type of synthetic fibers used, however, theaddition of these synthetic fibers brings to the mop bundle asignificant increase in raw material costs to the manufacturer, andaccordingly increased prices to the consumer, who conversely generallywants a very economically priced mop they can easily dispose of when itis too dirty to use.

[0005] It also has been known in the industry that before garments,yarns, fibers, or fabrics are dyed or bleached they are subjected to ascouring operation. The term scouring applies to the removal of thenatural oils and adventitious dirt, typically by use of a soap orwetting agent. Such soaps generally include a metallic salt of asaturated or an unsaturated higher fatty acid, lead, calcium, magnesium,or other metallic soaps, and more commonly include wetting agents ordetergents containing sodium or potassium. These soaps reduce thesurface tension between the natural oils and water, and allow the oil toform a comparable stable emulsion in water for the removal of thenatural oils and waxes by scouring.

[0006] When a fabric, fiber, or yarn is scoured, the textile massgenerally is completely submerged in a water bath, usually enclosed in atank or kier that is designed for intense pressures, or in open tanks.In a kier bath, positive pressure is applied within the tank so as topush the liquid containing the scouring detergents into the fibrousbundle or cloth. When the textile material has undergone sufficient wetprocessing, the excess water generally is removed by centrifugal forceor vacuum, but since this does not remove all the moisture from thefibers, the textile mass further has to be heat or ultrasonically dried,which is a slow and costly operation.

[0007] It is also known within the textile industry that cotton has aneleven percent regain or a natural tendency to retain eleven percentmoisture. Textile companies previously have tried to add excessivemoisture to their finished yarn in the quest to sell cheaper bulk yarnsat the cost of a finished product. The problem with this is that theyarns typically are wrapped or packed tightly for shipping and also arewrapped tightly around themselves on a yarn carrier. In both instances,air does not have full contact with the yarn bundles so as to enable theyarns to dry quickly. The presence of moisture retained within the yarnsallows the cellulose cotton to become a natural breeding environment forbacteria and mildew, which bacteria will attack and/or digest thecellulose molecules, causing unwanted foul odors and a darkenedappearance to the yarn bundle, as well as weakening the yarn bundle andcan cause the resulting yarn to be unusable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Briefly described, the present invention generally relates toimproved yarns or yarn bundles, primarily for use in mop yarns whichhave improved wicking or moisture absorption properties“out-of-the-bag.” The yarns typically will be conventional low-cost mopyarns including a series of cotton fibers and which are treated with awetting agent and possibly an additional anti-microbial orbacteriostatic agent. The wetting agent generally is a soap, detergentor similar cleaning agent typically with a relatively neutral pH and lowfoaming action and is applied to the yarns as a spray or moisture add-onsolution. The wetting agent is applied in solution to the yarns at orimmediately prior to a final winding or take-up operation. The wettingagent solution, which can further include an anti-microbial compound,penetrates the yarn fibers and promotes the breakdown of natural andadded oils, fats, and other contaminates that tend to deter or resistthe absorption of water and other liquids by the mop yarns, and thusrequire extended break-in time for the mop. The addition of theanti-microbial solution or compounds further helps prevent thedevelopment of microbially caused odors and/or the growth of bacteriathat could degrade or otherwise damage the mop yarn.

[0009] The application of the wetting agent solution further is donewhile the yarns are in a finished or dry state, preferably being addedto the yarns in a range of about 3-15% by weight. The wetting agentsolution is sprayed or otherwise applied to the yarns in a manner so asto cause the solution to substantially penetrate the yarn fibers,without unduly soaking the yarns and without the necessity of applyingthe wetting agent solution during the blending stage of the yarns, whichwould accordingly require a subsequent drying process in order to finishthe processing of the yarns for carding, windup, and packaging.Thereafter, the yarns can be wound or otherwise taken up for packagingor forming into mops.

[0010] Various objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading thefollowing detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of aprocess for application of the wetting agent solution to the yarnsaccording to the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an additional exampleembodiment of the present invention, illustrating a further method ofapplying the wetting agent solution to the yarns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention generally relates to an improved mop yarnthat has been pre-treated with a wetting agent, such as a soap ordetergent material in solution to shorten the initial time required forthe fibers in the yarn bundle to absorb water or other liquids and aprocess for applying such wetting agents or treatments. The most popularconsumer and industrial wet mops generally are composed of blended yarnspredominately made of cotton fibers. These yarns usually range from an8/1 cotton count to a 0.3/1 cotton count in single and in plied form.The plied yarns can range from a two-ply bundle to over 20 yarns bundledtogether and twisted to make a yarn strand. These yarns are then laid ina horizontal path with each yarn being parallel and of equal lengths toone another. The yarns are bundled to a specific weight with a fabric,metal, or plastic strip attached to the yarns to keep the strandstogether and to provide a place for a handle to be attached. The massvolume, industry standard cotton yarn used in wet and dust mops furtheris a 0.6 cotton count or 0.5 cotton count yarn twisted into a three orfour ply bundle. However, the present invention will work on larger andsmaller sizes yarns, as well as yarns of various single and multipleplies and spun by any type of spinning operation. These yarns furthergenerally are manufactured from a recycled cotton waste derived fromtextile operations requiring higher fiber quality for their end product.

[0014] The present invention includes the treatment of such mop yarnswith a solution treatment of moisture containing wetting agents,detergents, anti-microbial chemicals, and/or similar treatmentmaterials, having the ability to breakdown or remove oils, fats, waxesand other natural liquid repellant materials and contaminants that deteror retard moisture absorption from the yarns, which treatment generallyis applied to the yarns with the yarns in a finished or dry state, suchas at a final winding or take-up operation in the yarn processing flow.The wetting agent is mixed with water to form a wetting agent solutionapplied to the yarns. Typically, the wetting agent or detergent materialused includes a low foaming alkaline cleansing or soap derived agenthaving demulsifying properties and a relatively neutral pH. For example,the wetting agents can include an ethoxyrated fatty alcohol blend suchas Sandopan NF, which exhibits low foaming properties and is non-toxic,containing natural and biodegradable solvents. Other similar non-toxic,low foaming, demulsifying agents also can be used. In addition, a lowfoaming wetting agent typically is used so as to not add undue residues,bubbles, or cloudiness in the retained water. Several wetting agentsalso have distinctive aromas and can be incorporated within thesolution. It has been derived that a preferred range of concentrationsof the wetting agent solution to be applied is normally about a 3% to20% concentration of a soap derived wetting agent in water applied atapproximately a 3% to 15% add-on to the yarn, and preferably at about 5%to 10% by weight, although greater or lesser concentrations of thewetting agent and/or application rates therefor also can be used asdesired or necessary.

[0015] The present invention also contemplates adding an anti-microbialto the wetting agent solution. For example, a 2% to 15% addition of aconcentrated topical anti-microbial such as a Clariant Sanitized 96-21,a halogenated phenoxy compound, or a similar baceriostatic compound thatis non-toxic and does not contain compounds that can cause skinirritations on contact, and which does not have compounds such assilicones or oils that can cause spotting on floors or that can reactadversely with the wetting agent and/or cleaning solutions, can be addedto the wetting agent solution. The anti-microbial agent generally ismixed in solution with the wetting agent, or a topical anti-microbial,such as UltraFresh, can be applied directly to the yarns to help deterthe growth of bacteria within the yarns and any mop formed therefrom.Unlike other applications where wetting agents are used, the presentinvention does not, however, require a process for drying the yarnsafter the wetting agent solution is added. Since the cotton fibers ofthe yarns generally are comprised of recycled content and are subject toa higher degree of trash, natural oils, and waxes, the addition of anymoisture could propagate the growth and colonization of bacteriacolonies, however, the addition of the anti-microbial compounds to thewetting agent solution generally reduces this problem.

[0016] The ideal location to apply a liquid over spray in themanufacture of a textile yarns is during the opening and blending stage.At this point in the manufacturing process, the fiber mass generally issubstantially opened up and is in a loose state, and thus an evenlyapplied spray can be applied to the fibrous yarns or mat for achievinggood uniformity. However, if detergents/soaps, wetting agents, oranti-microbial chemicals were applied at this stage of manufacturewithout a drying process, it could cause severe problems in thesubsequent manufacturing processes because the amount of moisture/liquidrequired to be applied to be effective at such a stage n themanufacturing process would cause the fibers to become extremely wet andwould deter their processability throughout the continuing textilecleaning and carding operations. Without a costly heat set process onthe fibers, the wetting agent and/or anti-microbial molecules also wouldhave a tendency to be removed from the surface of the fibers by thebeating and cleaning actions of continuing carding and spinningprocesses.

[0017] The present invention contemplates the addition of the wettingagent or detergent solution to the mop yarns by the application of anover spray or mist in the later stages of the manufacture of the mopyarns with the yarns being in a finished, dry state. This could beaccomplished as the mop is assembled and before it is placed in aplastic bag or other packaging, but preferably will be applied at theyarn manufacturing location wherein the yarn is in its final stage ofprocessing, prior to assembly of the mop, and is traveling at presetspeeds and conditions where all aspects of moisture and percentage ofsolution add-on generally can be continually adjusted and monitored forproper application. Other application methods, such as dipping, passingthe yarns through a bath or the use of an applicator roll(s) also can beused as discussed below.

[0018] Various processes for applying the wetting agent and/oranti-microbial agent solutions to the yarns are illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2. In a first embodiment of the method of the present inventionillustrated in FIG. 1, the dry, spun yarns 10 are fed through a guide 11in a series of eyelets or guide openings 12 and are fed into a sprayingenclosure 13, passing through additional sets of guides 14 and with theyarns generally spaced about ⅛″-½″ apart, preferably ¼″, althoughgreater or lesser spacings also can be used as desired. The guides serveto separate and guide the yarns through the spray housing as the wettingagent solution W applied thereto. As the yarns are passed through thespray housing, a liquid spray containing the wetting agent solution W isapplied in an overspray type process against the yarns. The wettingagent and anti-microbial chemical agents generally are mixed with coldtap water to the desired percentages in a pressurized holding tank 16 toform the wetting agent solution W, with the solution generally subjectedto agitation, such as by an impeller 17, the use of air in the tank, orby operation of a recirculating pump, to ensure that the chemicals aremixed thoroughly and stay in solution. The interior of the tank 16generally is pressurized, typically to about 25-30 lbs. of pressure, bycompressed air introduced into the tank. This positive pressure tends topush the wetting agent solution through conduits or spray lines 18 toone or more spray bulkheads 19 positioned at various points along thepath of travel of the yarns (indicated by arrow 21) through the housing13, along with a bleed-off of air.

[0019] The spray bulkheads 19 generally include precision spray nozzlessuch as model JAUPMCO SU13ADF-SSBR Spraying Systems Co. nozzles, whichnozzles generally are mounted to a plenum or spray bar and arepositioned in spaced series, each oriented perpendicular to the yarnpath 21. The spacing of the nozzles along the spray bar generally isselected so that the spray for each parallel nozzle does notsubstantially overlap the spray from an adjacent nozzle. Preferably aflat spray pattern will be applied via the nozzles, with the sprayfurther generally being assisted by an air stream released by the spraynozzles along with the wetting agent solution spray. The spacing ordistance of the nozzles from the yarn path also can be varied asdesired, but typically a spacing or distance of approximately 8-9 incheshas been found to be effective. It will, however, be understood by thoseskilled in the art that other spacings can be utilized as desired,depending upon coverage desired and/or sizes or types of yarn beingtreated. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, two rows or more ofnozzles typically will be used, with each row of nozzles being orientedso as to apply the wetting agent solution to a different side of theyarns. These spray streams generally are stopped and started inconjunction with intermittent yarn flows, with a calculated speed of theyarn mass being maintained to achieve the desired percent of add-on ofthe wetting agent solution, which percentage can also be adjusted toaccommodate or account for the distance of the nozzles to the yarn orthe amount of pressure behind the application of the liquid wettingagent solution.

[0020] As indicated in FIG. 1, the spray bulkheads thus apply anoverspray of the liquid wetting agent solution upstream from the finalwinding or takeup of the yarns into a ball or similar windup asindicated by 22. The wetting agent solution W further is applied insubstantially even spray for enhanced uniformity of application andpenetration of the wetting agent solution into the yarns. Excess sprayor mist is drawn from the housing 13 via an exhaust duct 23 and exhaustfan or vacuum assembly 24 to avoid leakage of the wetting agent solutionsprays outside of the housing 13. In addition, excess liquid from thespray(s) can be collected at the bottom of the housing for collectionand recirculation back to the tank 16 by a conduit 26 and/or for properdisposal.

[0021] In an alternative embodiment, the yarns 10 are fed from theirguide 11 through an additional upstream guide 31 to an applicatorstation 32 that generally includes a bath or trough 33 containing aliquid bath of the wetting agent solution W and a “kiss roll” orapplicator roll 34. The applicator roll is revolved within the trough 33and picks up a coating of the wetting agent solution W from the bath andtrough 33. As indicated in FIG. 2, the yarns 10 are passed over theapplicator roll 34 as it is rotated through the bath of wetting agentsolution W and are subsequently passed through a downstream guide 36. Asa result, the yarns engage and at least partially wrap around theapplicator roll, engaging the roll at an angle of deflection D so thatthe yarns remain in contact with the applicator roll for a sufficienttime to enable the yarns to be infused with the wetting agent solutionon the applicator roll 34. Thereafter, the yarns are wound or collectedin a ball warp or similar winding at the final winding station 19 priorto formation into finished mops and/or for packaging. In addition, alevel sensor 37 typically is mounted to the trough or bath 33 so as tomonitor the level of a liquid wetting agent solution. The level sensorcommunicates with a regulator assembly 38, which causes a fresh supplyof the wetting agent solution to be supplied to the trough 33 from apressurized storage tank 39 as the level of the bath of wetting agentsolution within the trough 33 drops below a desired or preset level soas to maintain a substantially full bath of the wetting agent solutionwithin the trough.

[0022] The present invention also has another advantage of generallyintegrating the wetting agent into the molecular structure of the fibersincorporating the outside sheath of the yarn first as the wetting agentsolution is applied. These are the first fibers to come in contact withany liquids in the initial use of a mop. This ensures these fibers havereduced levels of natural oil and natural waxes so as to promote aspeedy performance “break-in” of the entire mop bundle.

[0023] Mop Yarn Evaluation Testing

[0024] Test results of six different formulations of wetting agentsalone and with different percentages of an added anti-microbial materialare shown below. All samples were placed in a basin of room temperaturetap water for 1 minute and followed the following test method:

[0025] Water Absorption Testing

[0026] 1. Using an industry standard skein winder, a 12-yard skein waswound.

[0027] 2. The two ends of the yarn skein were tied together and removedfrom the skein winder.

[0028] 3. The skein was then supported by one end and, using yarn fromthe same test yarn cone, a yarn strand was wrapped around the entirediameter of the yarn skein and tied to hold the yarn skein togetherduring testing.

[0029] 4. The tied yarn mass was then weighed and the measured dryweight was recorded.

[0030] 5. The skein was then placed in a basin or pool of cold tapwater, deep enough to submerge the yarn mass, with the yarn mass placedin the water pool without any agitation, and with the mass maintainedout of contact with the sides of the basin or any other foreignobject(s).

[0031] 6. An elapsed time of 60 seconds was measured. Immediatelythereafter, the skein was picked up and allowed to drip for 10 seconds.The skein was then placed into a container and the soaked mass wasweighed.

[0032] 7.${{Calculate}:\frac{{weight}\quad {of}\quad {dry}\quad {mass}\text{-}{weight}\quad {of}\quad {soaked}\quad {mass}}{{weight}\quad {of}\quad {soaked}\quad {mass}}} = {\% \quad {water}\quad {pick}\text{-}{up}}$

[0033] 8. The skein of yarn was then removed and any pooled water withinthe container was poured out the skein was then doubled once again, withthe moisture being removed from the yarn mass by squeezing and twisting,and any excess moisture by shaking.

[0034] 9. The skein was then placed into the container to be weighedagain.

[0035] 10.${{Calculate}:\frac{{weight}\quad {of}\quad {soaked}\quad {mass}\text{-}{weight}\quad {of}\quad {squeezed}\quad {mass}}{{weight}\quad {of}\quad {soaked}\quad {mass}}} = {{Working}\quad {Percentage}}$

[0036] In the following test results, one will notice the samplesrepresenting a higher percentage of the wetting agents performedsuperior in absorption over the samples containing a lower percentage.However, this higher percentage added cost, water cloudiness, and extrafoaming within the water bath.

[0037] The test procedures required all the samples to be tested forabsorption properties immediately upon applying the topical add-on, withidentical samples being placed in a sealed plastic bag for 168 hours tocheck for bacteria growth and associated odors. These samples were thenalso tested for paralleling absorption properties compared to theirinitial counterparts. It was found that there were minimal differencesin the yarn's absorption properties between testing immediately andafter a 168-hour interlude.

[0038] The analysis of this particular set of trials indicated apreferred ratio of ingredients and percentage of add-on agents wasbetween the concentrations used in samples 4 and 5, so as to thusrequire approximately 5% to 10% wetting agent combined with 5% to 10%anti-microbial material in solution. These two samples used a 5% add onof water weight to the dry yarn state or 0.0625% add-on compared to theweight of a gallon of water. Surprisingly, this delivers a workingpercentage of moisture absorption of 276% to 424% within a minute of themop's initial use. The instant invention does acknowledge the necessityfor varying ratios between wetting agents, anti-microbials, and theadd-on percentages of the treatment solutions depending upon differentchemical manufacturers, concentrations, and types of topicalapplications involved. Test Results: Sample 1: Approximately .125%add-on/1 gal. water 10% Sanitized brand T 96-21 15% Imerol LS liquidconc. (orange smell) 10% Add on let soak for 1 min. weight dry: .1102lb. weight wet: .5050 lb. weight squeezed: .2738 lb. Water pick-up: 358%Working Percentage: 45.7% Observations: Left a milky residue in waterSAMPLES TESTED 168 HOURS IN PLASTIC AFTER APPLICATION: weight dry: .0938lb. weight wet: .3324 lb. weight squeezed: .2100 lb. Water pick-up:254.37% Working Percentage: 36.8% Observations: Smell: normal Damp tothe touch Sample 2: Approximately .125% wetting agent/1 gal. water 20%Sanitized brand T 96-21 20% antiMussol. 30% Sandopan 10% add on let soakfor 1 min. weight dry: .1102 lb. weight wet: .5280 lb. weight squeezed:.3056 lb. Water pick-up: 379%. Working Percentage: 42.12% Observations:Left an extremely milky residue in water, NOT ACCEPTABLE. SAMPLES TESTED168 HOURS IN PLASTIC AFTER APPLICATION: weight dry: .1124 lb. weightwet: .8050 lb. weight squeezed: .5472 lb. Water pick-up: 616.1% WorkingPercentage: 32.0% Observations: Smell: OK, dry to touch; bubbled rapidlyin water/left milky residue in water. Sample 3: Approximately .125%add-on/1 gal. water  5% Sanitized brand T 96-21 10% Sandopan LF liquidconc. 10% Add on let soak for 1 min. weight dry: .1102 lb. weight wet:.5420 lb. weight squeezed: .3198 lb. Water pick-up: 391.8% WorkingPercentage: 40.99% Observations: Did not turn water cloudy, did leave afew bubbles on surface of water. SAMPLES TESTED 168 HOURS IN PLASTICAFTER APPLICATION: weight dry: .1132 lb. weight wet: .7416 lb. weightsqueezed: .5266 lb. Water pick-up: 555.1% Working Percentage: 28.9%Observations: Smell: normal, damp to touch. Good bubbling action, DIDNOT OVERLY discolor water. Sample 4: Approximately .0625% add-on/1 gal.water  5% Sanitized brand T 96-21 10% Sandopan LF liquid conc.  5% Addon let soak for 1 min. weight dry: .1102 lb. weight wet: .4910 lb.weight squeezed: .2546 lb. Water pick-up: 345.5% Working Percentage:48.15% Observations: Did not turn water cloudy, left only a few bubbleson surface of water. SAMPLES TESTED 168 HOURS IN PLASTIC AFTERAPPLICATION: weight dry: .1040 lb. weight wet: .4914 lb. weightsqueezed: .2852 lb. Water pick-up: 424% Working Percentage: 41.9%Observations: Smell: none, good bubbling action/sank fast. DID NOTdiscolor water. Sample 5: Approximately .0625% add-on/1 gal. water 10%Sanitized brand T 96-21 10% Sandopan LF liquid conc.  5% Add on let soakfor 1 min. weight dry: .1140 lb. weight wet: .5388 lb. weight squeezed:.2728 lb. Water pick-up: 372.6% Working Percentage: 49.37% Observations:No residue or bubbles in water. SAMPLES TESTED 168 HOURS IN PLASTICAFTER APPLICATION: weight dry: .1076 lb. weight wet: .4046 lb. weightsqueezed: .2784 lb. Water pick-up: 276% Working Percentage: 31.2%Observations: Smell: none, dry to touch Some bubbles, no waterdiscoloration 30 second re-soak TEST: weight wet: .4656 lb. weightsqueezed: .2366 lb. Working Percentage: 49.1% Observations: Yarncompletely working on second dip. Sample 6: Approximately .0625%add-on/1 gal. water  5% Sanitized brand T 96-21  5% Sandopan LF liquidconc.  5% Add on let soak for 1 min. weight dry: .1146 lb. weight wet:.4088 lb. weight squeezed: .2504 lb. Water pick-up: 256.7% WorkingPercentage: 15.84% Observations: No residue or bubbles in water, yarnonly slightly wet. SAMPLES TESTED 168 HOURS IN PLASTIC AFTERAPPLICATION: weight dry: .1048 lb. weight wet: .3514 lb. weightsqueezed: .2630 lb. Water pick-up: 235% Working Percentage: 25.2%Observations: Smell: normal, fair absorption No bubbles weight wet:.4286 lb. weight squeezed: .2708 lb. Working Percentage: 36.8%Observations: Yarn completely working on second dip.

[0039] In calculating the cost of the present invention versus the addedvalue of the process of the present invention, the cost of chemicals andthe added processing costs for the use of the concentrated wettingagents and topical anti-microbial exceed the price of an economy cottonmop yarn. However, when diluted with water to the desiredconcentrations, the costs are well below that of a finished yarn. Also,all mop yarns have a final take-up operation where they are being put onsome sort of yarn carrier for shipment or transfer. At this operation,the wetting agent/anti-microbial solution can be applied by either akiss roll applicator or by an over spray, as discussed above, so noadditional costs need to be incurred other than the installation of theapplicator device. It has also been found that an economical cotton mopthat is placed in a pail of water for 24 hours typically will have awater pick-up percentage of about 105%. The same economical cotton mopincorporating the present invention, however, can have a water pickup ofas much as 424% in just one minute.

[0040] While detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merelyexemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.Therefore, specific structural and functional details are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but rather as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the principles ofthe present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A yarn bundle comprising a series of cottonfibers and treated with a wetting agent or detergent applied to the yarnbundle with the yarn bundle in a finished or dry state.
 2. A yarn bundlecomprising a cotton and synthetic fibers that have been treated with awetting agent or detergent applied to the yarn bundle with the yarnbundle in a finished or dry state.
 3. The yarn bundle of claim 2 whereinthe synthetic fibers include rayon, viscose, acrylic, polyester,polypropylene, acetate, nylon, or polyethene
 4. A finished mop yarncomprising cotton fibers that have been treated with a wetting agent ordetergent applied to the yarn fibers as an over spray or mist while theyarn is in a dry state.
 5. A finished mop yarn comprising a yarn bundleincluding cotton and synthetic fibers that have been treated with awetting agent or detergent applied to the yarn bundle by an over sprayor mist in a dry process.
 6. The mop yarn of claim 5 and wherein thesynthetic fibers include rayon, acrylic, polyester, polypropylene,acetate, nylon, or polyethene.
 7. A yarn bundle comprising a series ofcotton fibers treated with a treatment solution including a wettingagent or detergent and incorporating a topical anti-microbial, thetreatment solution applied to the yarn bundle with the yarn bundle in afinished or dry state.
 8. A yarn bundle comprising cotton and syntheticfibers that have been treated with a wetting agent or detergent solutionincorporating a topical anti-microbial and applied to the yarn bundlewith the yarn bundle in a finished or dry state.
 9. The yarn of claim 8and wherein the synthetic fibers include rayon, acrylic, polyester,polypropylene, acetate, nylon, or polyethene.
 10. The yarn of claim 8and wherein the typical anti-microbial does not require a heat set.